The island’s BMW dealership, Ultimate Motors, presented the cars to the team on Monday afternoon in a ceremony at the team base in Bermuda.

“The BMW i3 represents exciting, efficient, electric mobility, with the capacity to travel from Hamilton to Dockyard at least 10 times without having to re-charge. And 0-100 kph in 7.2 seconds,” said David Gibbons, chairman of Ultimate Motors in Bermuda.

“The partnership between Oracle Team USA and BMW brings together speed and efficiency, technology and art, aerodynamics and aeronautics, strength and athleticism, responsiveness and agility. All of these attributes have been captured in the BMW i3, in the Oracle Team USA race boats and in the athletes that race them.”

Jimmy Spithill, the skipper for Oracle Team USA, said the cutting-edge technology of BMW as demonstrated in its electric vehicles was a competitive advantage for his team.

“The first time we won the America’s Cup in 2010 was with the support of BMW as a technology partner and it’s great to have that behind us again in this campaign,” Spithill said. “The amount of innovation and technology that goes into these cars is proof what they can contribute to the team.”

Grant Simmer, the General Manager for Oracle Team USA agreed the team was benefitting from BMW expertise and was excited by the sustainable aspect of the BMW i3.

“We have a technical relationship with BMW where we’re working on a number of areas that are helping the design of our America’s Cup Class yachts, in particular on the aerodynamics,” said Grant Simmer, the General Manager of Oracle Team USA.

“In regards to the BMW i3, we’re very pleased to see their commitment to sustainability and electric vehicles. We believe it’s a very good fit for Bermuda and we’re looking forward to driving them. They’re cool cars!”

Premier Michael Dunkley was also on hand for the ceremony, and said: “I’m delighted that Ultimate Motors along with Oracle Team USA has taken this sustainable initiative.

“We’re proud of all that you’ve done to leave a positive impact on the community. Today, protecting our carbon footprint and sustainability is critical. I’m positive that this will help us push forward on sustainability. Thank you for your commitment.”

It was mentioned shortly after the announcement of the AC award being made to Bda on the list of the many benefits in terms of jobs being created. If it wasn’t actually GG that said it it was one of the overall AC committee people . It was all in the press .

I should also have included that the way the article is reported it’s not clear at all who footed the bill for these cars .

I find it highly unlikely that the local BMW dealer would have just come out of their own pocket for it so I’m assuming that they were sent ‘gratis’ by BMW .

The levels of animosity , jealousy entitlement and resentment that run ridiculously high at the best of times are even more off the scale at this point in time and it would be nice if this was clarified . It might end a lot of the nasty comments that cause embarrassment for decent locals when viewed by the AC people who are doing so much good while they are here .

You are the worst. Every comment I see from you is misspelled hate filled garbage. Never once have you added anything productive or even remotely constructive.

Bermudian people are known to be polite, smart, friendly and warm, traits you seem to know little about. Given you choose the name Onion Juice I have no doubt that you are Bermudian by birth but you know little about what it actually means to be Bermudian.

Times have changed my bie, after years of being nice and then get kicked in de @$$ has taken its toll. It’s a new day so get used to it. So when you and ya croonies where bashing for 14 years it was ok. Oh forgot, you guys ice is colder. LMFAO

@Onion Juice. I suggest you research what sponsorship means. Then check out companies that sponsor Oracle. If BMW is mentioned understand that does not mean Bermuda Motor (Works). Bermuda Motors is the local dealer for BMW, a German firm. Unfortunately you are so set in your dislike of the America’s Cup, despite the hundreds of Bermudians who are employed and the thousands of school kids from all parts of Bermuda including back of town who have and will continue to benefit through 2017 at least.

There’s no doubt that the AC is going to be good for Bermuda – Probably for all of us – but you do see how Bermuda is two different worlds when you read this story and think about the actions last FRiday.

Actually no. On the one hand we have an event and people associated with it bringing massive investment and interest into Bermuda, and on the other hand we have a bunch of ignorant sheep who are trying to drag this island further down than it was when they got voted out in 2012.

I think I (very vaguely) understand what you’re trying to say, but remember, this is an out-and-out business sponsorship for a professional sports team, and has absolutely nothing to do with political protests or the imbalances in Bermuda. Do you think anyone in Madrid complains about or even ponders for a minute Emirates pumping millions of dollars and Audi donating luxury cars to Real Madrid? It’s just part of normal business and business is part of normal life.

Ya, this Government slashes budget for education, seniors, etc, etc, then they give $77 Million to Billionaires for a sailboat race and then they get get presented $300,000 worth of transportation. Mmmmmmmm

Or, to put it more accurately, spend $77M to get a return many, many times that amount, which is then pumped back into the economy to be spent on schools, highways, infrastructure, sports, for the benefit of all Bermudans, even the ungrateful ones.

Onion Juice – if you invested $10 and got a return of $50, would you be happy? Or is that too hard a question for you? Let me try something down at your level. If you gave me 1 Heineken, and I gave you 5 back, would you be happy?

It amazes me that people are so blind to the fact that the plp are the guilty party for ALL of Bermudas problems. It is so easy to blame the current government without even a mention of how we ended up in this mess!!

This and almost EVERYTHING Ewart Brown ever did is why politics in Bermuda is so confusing…….

Ewart Brown was out of touch with extravagant parties,red jackets, police protection, fandom of Ashford and Simpson etc. and……

There’s a few things that make Mr. Dunkley look out of touch as well, BUT let’s call this one exhibit ‘T’: being present while FOUR BMWs are being given away at a time when people are struggling with their finances, with social issues, with LIFE in general. When I say that I mean ALL people no matter where they are, who they are or what they have.

Genuine questions, as in please answer to be informative, I am truly seeking the truth……

What does the Premier have to do with this private company giving cars away? Was there no one else available to shake their hands? Did it have to be the LEADER OF THE COUNTRY? At some point doesn’t it matter HOW it LOOKS rather than what it is?

Calm yourself. BMWs as gifts for publicity and charitable contributions? Must be nice living in a privileged world mate. Like I said in my OP, as long as they pass the BDA DL then I was ok with it, and yes they are gifts boss!